Tiki Tuesday Canceled

 

Despondent Dog back at Home
Tequesta, FL
September 1, 2026

We knew something was wrong when we pulled into the empty parking lot. It was Tiki Tuesday, when we often head to Tiki52 for adult beverages and food. We are used to the lot being nicely full of vehicles, but this definitely was not the case.

We were running a bit late and expected a few more vehicles than a normal Tuesday night. Finn was excited about getting out, he loves going to Tiki52 for dinner. He even has learned the word, Tiki, and gets very excited when we indicate we are headed there. Tiki52 is dog friendly!

I parked the car and went to the welcome station of the empty restaurant. I was greeted by the sign announcing the September closure on Mondays to Wednesdays. The restaurant is normally closed on Mondays, but the addition of two days is disconcerting. Yes, I know business has been really slow, but we enjoy our time on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and are regulars when we are in town. 

Finn was despondent. Chris and Finn never even got out of the car. We were undecided about dinner at that point and decided to order a pizza. I had a 50 percent off coupon and we enjoyed a pizza dinner for less than $10. So it worked out.

I subsequently learned that Tiki52 is upgrading the kitchen and being closed three days per week assists in the renovation. 

It is the slow season here. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

A Break in the Storms

 

North Fork Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
August 31, 2026

Welcome September!

The storms abated a bit yesterday and Chris and I were able to enjoy a more normal Monday. 

I hit the streets on my bike and later joined Chris for a joint walk with Finn. And the rains held off. Amazingly.

The storms are hanging just off the coast this morning. We can see the clouds, but are enjoying blue skies above us. 

The image taken during my ride yesterday was truly amazing. The river was so calm that the reflection of the clouds are clear and visible. It was a tranquil scene, even more so given the storms we have been experiencing. 

We are looking forward to our Labor Day weekend travel north. I am having difficulty believing that Summer is coming to an end. Fortunately, I live in a place where it lasts well into November. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Rare Autos

 

1953 Cunningham C-3 Continental Cabriolet
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
August 22, 2026

Many of the vehicles at the Elliott Museum are limited or rare. For instance, there is a 1954 Corvette (3640 produced) and a 1955 Thunderbird (16,155). And these are very fine vehicles to look at and enjoy. 

But, among the rarest in the museum is a 1953 Cunningham C-3 Continental Cabriolet. The production consisted of 25 cars with only 5 being the Cabriolet version.

1953 Cunningham C-3 Continental Cabriolet, body by Vignale, Turin, Italy. Currently running a 1958 Chrysler 392 cubic inch “Hemi” V-8 with a PowerFlite two-speed automatic transmission. Chassis made in West Palm Beach, FL. This car was on display at the 1953 Geneva Auto Show and the 1953 New York Auto Show. Recent cosmetic restoration. (Elliott Museum)

I have enjoyed looking at this car during every visit to the museum as it is in the gallery, unlike the vehicles in the car racking system which must be requested for viewing. 

1914 Packard 7-Passenger Phaeton
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
August 22, 2026

The Cunningham C-3 Continental Cabriolet is valued at over $1 million based upon the most recent sale of one during 2022. This car, while expensive is not the rarest vehicle on display inn the museum. There is a one of a kind auto, but of known vehicles that are a lot of fun to look at, the 1914 Packard 7-Passenger Phaeton previously owned by Ralph Evinrude, the 1914 Packard Touring Car (only three exist in the world), and the 1954 EMW 327/3 coupe (one of only 152 produced and believed to be the only one in the US) are head turners. I continue to be amazed at the size of the older vehicles and how under powered they were. The Phaeton, for example, has a 415 cid engine with a whopping 60 horsepower.

 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Enjoying the Exhibits

Chris on the Floor or Wall?
3D Doubt your Eyes Art Exhibit 
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
August 22, 2026

 We returned to the Elliott Museum in Stuart yesterday to enjoy the exhibits without having to fight the snowbird crowds for parking. The area around the museum is prime beach real estate and the weekend crowds can really use up all of the parking. 

The museum always has some interesting exhibits and yesterday was no exception. We thoroughly enjoyed the Society of Animal Artists exhibit that was positioned around the nearly the entire first floor of the museum. There are very creative artists using multiple mediums to express what they observed in nature. 

Car Display Floor
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
August 22, 2026

The 3-D Doubt Your Eyes exhibit is fun. Getting into the scenes is creative play and getting just the right image of the scene can be challenging.

And of course the crown jewel of the museum is the Wheels of Change automobile exhibit, which is permanent. The main floor where is it easy to get close to the classic cars as well as the carefully curated three-floor display of autos and trucks with the specially designed retrieval system to place the vehicles on a rotating display pad. I always love watching the system retrieve the vehicle we desire. Yesterday we requested a milk truck from about 1931. 

The description of the car racking system is interesting in itself:

ABOUT OUR CAR RACKING SYSTEM
It’s not just for storage — it’s a moving piece of engineering art.
Our one-of-a-kind, three-story, climate-controlled, robotic car storage and retrieval system showcases over 50 extraordinary classic and antique cars in a way that’s as innovative as the vehicles themselves. With the push of a button, the system springs into action, retrieving a gleaming automobile and rotating it into view — an experience that turns history into theater. (Elliott Museum)

And there is so much more to see in the museum, including a classic baseball card collection and a section devoted to the Ashley Gang, a rum running/bank robbing family. And no, they are not related to the Doan Gang. 

I highly recommend visiting the museum and also eating at the restaurant right on the museum grounds. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Late-Summer Weekend

 Sadly, Summer is winding down. Labor Day weekend is two weekends away and that is the unofficial end to Summer's run.

It is sad that the summer is ending so soon. I feel as though it only began a few short weeks ago. But, the end of the year holiday decorations are showing up on the retail shelves. The Sahara dust has finally departed the skies over South Florida, that brought really hot afternoon temperatures and thunderstorms across the region yesterday. 

Well, we are planning to enjoy this late-Summer weekend. We are beginning the day, if it goes as planned, on the water in a boat. I have found a new place to "dock and dine" for lunch since the Stuart City Dock is closed for renovation. The plan is to head north on the ICW to Jensen Beach after some nice beach time along the Atlantic Ocean. Nicole and Mike are visiting, after dropping Jax off in Tampa yesterday to begin classes at the University of South Florida, and it should be a very enjoyable day. 

Chris and I are definitely ready for the weekend which begins today!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Flat-Water Dust Day

 

Flat-Water Loxahatchee River
Tequesta, FL
August 17, 2026

Yesterday was another flat-water day in Jupiter. As I biked across the North Fork Loxahatchee River, I saw beautiful flat water perfectly ready for boating, yet with the heat index headed over 110 degrees, it is too hot to even think about being on a boat. 

OK, not!

Sahara Dust Map
August 18, 2026

The Sahara Dust continues to keep our area too dry and too hot!

I managed an 18-mile bike ride yesterday by getting out before the heat gets too oppressive. The only problem is the Middle Schoolers gawking at me as I pass them. I'm not sure if they wish they were riding with me of just think that I am crazy for being out on a bike in the heat. 

I wish I was out on a boat. I bet watching the world wake from a small boat on the ocean is just great. I have watched sunrise from a cruise ship and that is great as well. 

And the day begins. It could be a record setting day temperature wise. We missed tying the record by one degree yesterday. 

It is primary election day in Florida today. Chris and I voted during the early voting and so we can relax, try to stay cool and watch the votes get tabulated tonight.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

TGIF, again

Jupiter Sound
Tequesta, FL
August 13, 2026

 Friday has rolled up on us, again. I really do not know where the week has gone. Chris and I have been busy and active, but not in a crazy like fashion. 

Last evening we made our way to Tiki52 to enjoy the atmosphere and some adult beverages. We went mostly because I forgot to plan something for dinner, oops! What a punishment, dinner at my favorite watering hole. I wonder if that will happen again?

I spend part of the afternoon making ice cream--well until I ran out of vanilla. After a trip to the store for vanilla and too many other items, I finished up the ice cream making. My newest attempt is blueberry ice cream. We will have to see how it comes out. I also made some sorbet--which is ridiculously easy to make. 

Today starts early as Finn has a grooming appointment at 8:30!

And here we go!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Due Diligence

Flat River Clear Sky
North Fork Loxahatchee River, Tequesta, FL
August 12, 2026

 Sometimes doing due diligence is not enough. 

Chris and I headed out for some afternoon shopping with the intention of doing Happy Hour while we were out. It was another day of dangerous outdoors temperatures and we needed to get out of the house. 

I managed an 18-mile ride during the morning while the feels like temperature was still in the 90s. It was soaked with sweat by the time I made it back home, but I completed the ride. 

For the afternoon, we had received a discount coupon in the mail for one of our favorite shops--they have both men's and women's clothing. The additional items they carry are sandals by my favorite company, OluKai. They are the same price as on line and so I do not have to wait for them to be shipped. My current pair of sandals were in desperate need of retirement. 

My New Sandals
Tequesta, FL
August 13, 2026

I checked the exclusions on the 25 percent off card and did not see anything listed for shoes or OluKai. So, we headed off to the store. Upon arriving, we looked at their merchandise and I found a new pair of sandals. I also picked a new shirt in the popular color for this autumn.

Well, turns out I did not grasp the importance of the fine print on the discount coupon. OluKai were excluded under an innocuous phrase that told me to see the stated website for the complete list of exclusions. Ugh! I had been pretty excited about a 25 percent discount on something that almost never goes on sale. So even with my dreams of a great deal on sandals crushed, I did get 25 percent off on a new shirt. The sales staff were very nice and gave me a consolation gift, a discount card for food from the bar or restaurant. 

So even though I thought I had done due diligence, apparently there are loopholes the require in-depth research.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

To the Mall for Shopping and Walking

Parking Lot at The Gardens Mall
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
August 11, 2026

 Where to go on a day when the stress index temperature reaches 106 degrees? 

Well, to the mall of course! 

With school back in session, I have noticed more traffic. That was surely the situation as Chris and I made our way to The Gardens Mall yesterday. There are a number of places we like to go in the mall, among them are Cooper's Hawk, the Apple Store, and a women's shop for nice dresses, Lilly Pulitzer. We also frequent the Tommy Bahama store, but did not visit yesterday.

I had two appointments at the Apple Store, both for watches. The Model 8 I inherited from my Dad died during the cruise. It gets hot on the charger, but does not turn on. My older Model SE battery was down to 68 percent capacity. The SE was covered under AppleCare and after confirming my diagnosis, they accepted it for repair fully covered by my policy. Notice I did not say free--because it isn't free, I pay monthly for AppleCare.

Apple Watch Box
Tequesta, FL
August 12, 2026

My Dad's watch, however, was a different story. It was declared dead: a total loss and not repairable. Since it was not on my AppleCare, I was offered the opportunity to pay to replace it with a Model 8 with the replacement not eligible for AppleCare, OR buy a new watch which could be fully covered for not a whole lot more. I went with a new Series 11 watch and added it to my AppleCare. Upon opening the watch at home later, I was reminded that I have always been fascinated with the packaging of Apple products.

Following the watch adventure, we spent no small amount of time shopping at Lilly Pulitzer's. Chris found some new clothes which she will use to update her wardrobe. 

From there it was off to Cooper's Hawk for Happy Hour. It wasn't quite Happy Hour when we arrived, but who really cares? We are members of the Wine Club and we had wine to pick-up.  Coming after some shopping, time at the bar was a relaxing way to slide into the end of the day before heading outside into the intolerable heat.

The important thing about the excursion was that we were out of the house, but not out in the heat! 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

It Does no Good to Complain

Flat Water but Ominous Clouds 
Loxahatchee River, Tequesta, FL
August 10, 2026

 It does no good to complain about the weather. Weather just is! 

I have been trying to get out onto the streets for a nice bike ride since we returned from the cruise. There have been passing rainstorms nearly every morning along with occasional thunderstorms. 

Yesterday looked different and I headed out. 

Sand Hill Cranes
Tequesta, FL
August 10, 2026

I enjoyed a nice ride or about an hour, and then the rain swept in and drenched me. There was nowhere to hide and I just had to keep riding and suck it up. It was funny as I passed a flag-person directing traffic through a construction zone and remarked to him, "This was unexpected." He smiled as the rain dripped off his helmet.

I enjoyed the ride, but I should have looked closer at the clouds when I snapped the image of the river in Tequesta, about 3 miles into my almost 18 mile ride. Would I have stopped? Not likely, but at least I wouldn't have been so surprised when I got wet. 

Drier weather is coming!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Happy Saturday!

 Wow, it is already the second Saturday of August and I really don't have anything on my schedule.

Sweet. 

I have almost exhausted writing about our cruise on Allure of the Seas as I can't think of anything significant and really interesting to write about. I just have two images that I will share today and then I believe the cruise will be a wrap.

Central Park
Allure of the Seas
July 25, 2026

As a side note, I received the graphic at the right from a friend and just had to share it. It makes me smile!

And for future travels, our next adventure will be a trip to Virginia and Maryland during Labor Day weekend. 

The first image I am sharing is a view of Central Park. The ships is so large that there is a park, complete with green living plants in the middle. The park hosted musicians and activities throughout the voyage. Some of the speciality restaurants line Central Park. The wine restaurant is also situated along the park as is one very nice cafe. The park is a relatively quiet place to sit and enjoy a light meal or some coffee and escape the busier areas of the ship. When selecting a stateroom with a balcony, cruisers must be careful not to select a room along wither Central Park or the Boardwalk area in the aft of the ship if they want an ocean view. 

1936 Mercedes Benz 500K Replica
Allure of the Seas
July 26, 2026

The other image I'm sharing is of the antique car positioned on the Promenade Deck.

Each of the Oasis-class ships had a signature car at one end of the Promenade Deck. The one on Allure is especially awesome. The cars on each Oasis-class ship are there for photo ops. And they are all beautiful. We have cruised on every ship in the class except Symphony of the Seas. Purists will note that the actual Mercedes on Allure of the Seas does not have the license tag on the bumper. That was added by Chat GPT when I asked for a specific identification of the vehicle. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Afternoon Flight over Tequesta

Cody and I in front of the Aircraft
North Palm Beach County Airport, FL
July 23, 2026

 I had a unique experience yesterday, I was able to fly in a Cessna 172 over Jupiter, Palm Beach, and Tequesta. It had been years since I had flown in a small aircraft and I have to admit, the thrill of flying is still there. 

Jupiter Inlet Looking East
July 23, 2026

Sitting in the right seat of the aircraft and absorbing the information on the panels and controls, as well as looking out the window, was a lot of fun.

We flew over Jupiter and around Tequesta and then down along the coast to North Palm Beach, being careful to avoid the restricted areas. The sightseeing was great.

Of course, we flew by the house--both mine and his. I love flying and seeing the world from above. I had, however, forgotten how tight the cockpit of small aircraft can be. I at times had a hard time turning to see and get pictures. It was a late afternoon flight and the sun was often in the wrong place, but Cody would make a turn to get remove the sun from the image equation.

I took video of our take-off and then one of the touch-n-gos we did on returning to the field. Cody's landings, and we did three of them, were a lot smoother than many commercial landings I have experienced. 

Formation Flying
Jupiter, FL
July 23, 2026

One of the unique things we did was fly in formation with two other aircraft. I was fascinated with the communication that occurred to keep everyone safe and while I was a bit skeptical at first, in the end it was a great experience. 

When I returned, Chris asked me whether I wanted to get my pilots license. I said no, I am at the point in my life where I need to pay others to fly me around.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Consequences for Failing Meal Planning

Blowing Rocks Marina and Tiki52
Tequesta, FL
July 22, 2026

The South Florida afternoon heat and humidity continues to be oppressive. But, I think we are growing accustomed to it and are doing some outdoors activities.

Last evening we headed to Tiki 52 for Happy hour and dinner, primarily because we were so busy packing for our upcoming cruise that we failed to adequately plan for dinner. I have heard it said that planning for meals is one of the toughest things that adults have to accomplish. Well, we failed at meal planning yesterday. 

But we enjoyed Tiki52! And so did Finn! Tiki is one of those words that Finn understands. As we were discussing dinner options last evening, I casually mentioned Tike as a possibility and the dog literally and really became very animated and making it clear that Tiki was his choice.

And so we went. 

It was very pleasant under the Tiki out of the sun and with a comfortable breeze off the water. We enjoyed some nice adult beverages and salad and wings. 

Finn was happy and he enjoyed the wings as well, well some of the meat from the wings. No wonder he doesn't eat the food we prepare for him!

I'm not sure that heading to Tiki52 as the consequence for failing meal planning is actually encouraging us to do better. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Promise of the Day

Rainbow over Tequesta
Tequesta, FL
July 22, 2026

 It was not the usual Hump Day beginning. We were treated to a rare sight this morning. 

A rainbow stretched across the sky. It was perfectly placed above the palms just outside our door. I saw it when I took Finn out. It was actually the second attempt for Finn this morning. It began raining during the first attempt and we aborted. We were lucky that it rained because we would likely have missed seeing the rainbow had we not aborted Finn's first outdoors adventure of the day. 

The rainbow scene was enhanced because the sun was still relatively low in the sky and the rain added to the color saturation. 

It is rare that I can almost see both the beginning and end of a rainbow. That made me wonder--which is the beginning and which the end? Are they both ends or both beginnings. 

I guess it is a conundrum, like which came first the chicken or the egg? Of course we know the answer to that one; the chicken came first! (Gen 1:24-25)

Happy Hump Day!

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cheese Hound

Chris, Finn and Cheese
Tequesta, FL
July 20, 2026

 Finn is a confirmed cheese hound.

The dog loves cheese and it was evident again last evening as Chris and I were enjoying Happy Hour on the veranda. 

The temperature and humidity moderated and we were able to spend time on the veranda during the early evening before dinner. Finn moved between us as we ate cheese, hoping for a piece. And he was usually successful.

We are careful not to give him too much cheese, which could be bad for him. But he likes small bits. 

During our time on the veranda we discussed upcoming activities and travels. We do our best planning over wine and cheese and we have a busy travel season ahead of us. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

After the Sun Sets

Jupiter Lighthouse at Dusk
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 18, 2026

 I drove to the beach last evening after the sun had set just because I had not been there in a while. I determined to visit both the ICW and the ocean. There is a place where I can walk across Jupiter Island and do just that in less than five minutes.

The heat of the day had dissipated a bit and the crowds likewise departed. 

Atlantic Ocean Looking North East
Jupiter Island, Tequesta, FL
July 18, 2026

It was nice to be on the beach. I waded into the ICW and stood there enjoying the warm water on my feet and a light breeze on my shoulders. The lights at the base of the lighthouse were just visible as dusk deepened. A person was on the water, likewise enjoying the end of day.

It was peaceful. The ocean beach was much more expansive than I expected, but there were no turtle nests marked. Usually at this time of year turtle nests abound on the beach. I wonder if they have reduced their nesting protection efforts?

I tarried for a bit before heading back to the car and then to home. I needed the peaceful scenes to recenter myself. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Cranes, Lettuce and Travel Preps

Sandhill Cranes
Tequesta, FL
July 17, 2026

 Apparently, the sandhill cranes are enjoying the South Florida heat and humidity. Yesterday, I saw three of them on my ride. That is unusual. I sometimes come across two, but three is unusual. Perhaps the third was a chick of the pair, I didn't slow down to try and figure it out. 

Packing Preparations
Tequesta, FL
July 17, 2026

The cranes pretty much go where they want. They also are not too concerned about me and my bike, which is nice. They neither run nor attack--I am especially happy about the not attacking part. 

Lettuce Wars: I am glad that someone in authority clarified the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak: lettuce! Let us stop eating lettuce! Funny though, we are being told that it is better to eat head lettuce rather than bagged lettuce. That seems a bit counterintuitive to me.

Finally, we began packing for our cruise which departs in a week. Chris wanted to get things laid out, and we did! Packing is incredibly stressful for some people. She also has commandeered one of the guest bedrooms and her dresses are hanging there, waiting for final packing into the garment bag. For me, however, I can pack in about 30 minutes, but I'm a guy. I'll begin laying stuff out maybe the morning before we depart. Fortunately, the cruise port and parking is only about an hour drive away. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Bird Watching

Tufted Titmouse
Odenton, MD
July 15, 2026

 I am lucky that Nicole, back in Maryland, has a Bird Buddy and that I can enjoy watching birds come and go. We are not allowed a bird feeder in our condo community because it attracts the dreaded palm rat! Providing the rats a source of food, like a bird feeder, is the worst thing a South Florida homeowner can do. Eventually, the rats will find a way into an attic and take up residence where they will chew wires and cause a biohazard mess. 

Tufted Titmouse Fluffing
Odenton, MD
July 15, 2026

Watching the birds in someone else's yard is not nearly as satisfying as in my own yard. Back in Elkridge, we had multiple feeders and varied the food for the season. During the winter, we put out a lot of peanuts for the Jays and Cardinals.

We constantly watched and enjoyed the birds. 

Now I have to bird watch vicariously, but no mess to clean up.

Yesterday was a particularly good day. A tufted titmouse put on a show, visiting multiple times and giving me a couple good opportunities to enjoy its antics. 

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL

Walking the New Cat

Walking the New Cat
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

 As if we have not been busy enough during the past week, Chris and I headed off to the Elliott Museum in Stuart to view their new traveling exhibits and reacquaint ourselves with some of the permanent treasures. 

Catching a Big One
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

The two newest traveling exhibits that caught our interest were the Charles Fazzino Master of 3-D Pop Art, and 3D Doubt Your Eyes.

Both of the exhibits were fascinating and the Charles Fazzino pieces are not just displayed in the exhibition room, but around the museum in appropriate places, for instance some baseball related pieces were displayed in the Baseball Card collection room. 

Charley Fazzino - Superman
Elliott Museum, Stuart, FL
June 29, 2026

The 3D Doubt Your Eyes is located near the entrance to the museum and was a lot of fun trying to compose an image which brought us into the scene.

Charles Fazzino's Pop Art brought us into the scene through the complexity and detail. The detail of the 3-D art does not translate well into 2-D images. 

We had a lot of fun and since we are museum members, we will likely be returning again soon.

-- Bob Doan, Tequesta, FL 

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas

Bowmouth Guitarfish
Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
June 20, 2026

 One of the attractions that Chris and I visited while we were in Las Vegas was the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay. I admit that I read the description and felt that it might be a bit overstated. 

Not.

Green Turtle in Coral
Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
June 20, 2026

The aquarium and displays are every bit as interesting and dynamic as the write-ups make it seem.

The huge aquarium is both big and accessible. We were able to see many different fish, many sharks, and there were also displays of freshwater fishes. The aquarium is based around an Aztec temple and that adds to the fun.

I can't begin to detail all of the different fishes and marine animals. 

Blacktip Reef Shark
Mandalay Bay Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
June 20, 2026

The highlight of the visit is, of course, the tunnels through the ocean tank. It is teeming with sharks, assorted fish, a big sea turtle, and they are constantly on the move. The tunnel system puts the viewer in the middle of the aquarium with fish swimming above and around. It was very interesting to see the underside of some of the fish--for instance the Bowmouth Guitarfish expels water from its gills downward under its body. 

As can be seen from my images, the fish get very close. 

The price point for the aquarium is really good. It was $30/person. Given the cost of other attractions in Vegas, this is a bargain.

-- Bob Doan, Atlanta, GA